In our capacity as regional Referee Training Coordinators we are trying to gauge interest for an online referee training course, primarily to support the Southwest Regional tournament, but also to increase the number of trained refs for all future tournaments.

The interactive course would utilize the USA Pickleball PowerPoint presentation in one or two sessions totaling 3 to 4 hours. We ask that, prior to the course, participants watch the Referee Quick Start video and read through the Rulebook and Referee Handbook, located in the Officiating section of the USA Pickleball website  (https://usapickleball.org/get-involved/pickleball-officiating/). In order to access the Zoom platform all that is required is a computer and Internet connection; the access code will be provided. The training would take place in January to encompass the newly revised rules. It will be free, but we would expect to elicit an agreement from participants that they would begin to practice their skills during recreational play and eventually at local tournaments, since we cannot meet in person for on-court training. We will also work with Certified refs in the region to connect participants with opportunities for supervised practice and skill assessment for a rating.

Could you please utilize your regional Ambassador organization to spread the word? 

Anyone interested in referee training should contact us at laymonwalden@gmail.com.

Once we have an idea of those interested we will set up a time and date.

Thanks,
Stay safe!

Lynn & Linda Laymon
USA Pickleball Southwest Region
Referee Training Coordinators